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AN APPEAL 



THE PUTURE PRESEEVATION 



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THE HOME AND GRAVE 



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PHILADELPHIA: 

T. K. AND P. G. COLLINS, PEINTEES. 
1855. 



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THE 



PRESERVATION OF THE BIRTH-PLACE 



WASHINGTON. 



APPEAL TO THE LADIES OF PHILADELPHIA. 

Ladies, to the rescue! Manufacturing speculators have offered 
$200,000 for Mount Vernon — that spot, dear, as it should be, to all 
American hearts, is to be sold to the highest bidder! An Ameri- 
can Congress has virtually declined to purchase it, and Virginia, 
•wh^TTo*lflsnvithin her boundaries the sacred ashes of our Washing- 
ton, joins in the refusal ; and it now behooves the uwnen of the 
nation to come forward to its rescue. Some months since, a noble- 
hearted, patriotic "southern matron" perceived the grandeur and 
the feasibility of raising funds for its purchase by the ladies ; and 
nobly have her southern sisters seconded her efforts. And, while 
the sacred, solemn spot, where Washington prayed, and died, and 
was buried — which awes into reverence even the foreigner, and 
causes his heart to thrill with emotion — while this is in danger, 
shall tve of the North stand idly by and permit his home to be 
sacrificed upon the altar of Mammon, forever to resound with the 
din of hammers, and vibrate with the clatter of the loom and the 
wheel ? That the pure air it was his delight to breathe when he 
went forth to meditate shall become thick and black with an eter- 
nal smoke, as if it were the entrance to Hades's self? Let us 
rise as one woman, and, in the strength of our united womanhood, 
decide that this shall not be. The sum which is required to save it, 



seems large — startling, at first — but what is it to a nation of women ? 
Let it not be said that the women of Philadelphia shrink from 
contributing to this glorious cause. Here, where there is so much 
to remind us of the great deeds of that noble man, whose memory 
we all delight to honor — let it not be proclaimed to the world that 
Washington is uncared for, forgotten — and that tve, by refusing 
our aid, have permitted the votaries of Mammon to rear their 
altars on the very spot where he worshipped the pure and living 
God! Let it not be said i\\dii .repuhJiean women are ungrateful! 
To you, ladies, we turn ; to you, who reverence the noble dead — 
who retain some admiration and remembrance of exalted worth 
when they are no more. Can you, will you look heedlessly on, 
Avhile the home and the grave of a Washington passes into the 
hands of speculators — and, with all the sacred associations that 
cluster around it, behold it become the seat of manufacturers and 
manufactories? It cannot, must not he! We only ask one dollar, 
but we trust to the geMerositt/ of those whose means are abundant. 
Mothers! encourage your children to join in your contributions. 
Many a patriotic little heart would throb, and bright eye glisten, 
for the privilege of giving their mite and enrolling their name 
among the contributors. 

We solicit the aid of your fathers, husbands, and brothers, and 
we confidently hope that Philadelphia will, out of the'fbundiince * 
of her wealth, greatly augment the sura for the purchase of Mount 
Vernon. If we succeed in purchasing it, it will be conveyed in 
trust to the President of the United States and the Governor of 
Virginia, to be preserved and improved in our names, as a hallowed 
resort for all people; and that for its continued preservation and 
improvement a trifle be charged for each visitor. Everything con- 
nected with this enterprise — names, residence, sum, and services 
of either sex — will be registered and kept at Mount Vernon as a 
record for our descendants. Should we fail in the purchase, we 
then wish to erect a mausoleum over the sarcophagus (the gift of 
a noble Philadelphian) which contains the sacred ashes of Wash- 
ington, and preserve them, at least, from desecration. 

When the nation, through the voice of its representatives, 
refuses to do honor to him who, by his wisdom, foresight, privation 
and suffering, bequeathed to its children the blessings of this glo- 
rious republic ; when it neglects to protect the home and hallowed 



remains of him who braved his life that they might enjoy the 
blessings of freedom — then, is it not a fitting time that the women, 
possessing the spirit of their revolutionary mothers, should fear- 
lessly show to the world that by them, at least, Washington is 
"praised, wept, and honored in the land he loved!" Come, then, 
my sister patriots, join by your generosity in protecting, for all 
future time, the home of the "Father of his Country!" You that 
have an abundance, give freely; and you that have hut a mite, 
remember the widow of old. Heaven will smile approvingly, and 
an admiring world resound your praise to its utmost boundaries! 

AMERICANA. 
Phil. Evening Bulletin, Sept. 18. 

The attention of the writer of the above appeal, was first at- 
tracted to this subject by an article in the Evening Bulletin 
signed "Veritas," and which elicited the following address to the 
"Southern Matron," and which was published, at her instance, in 
an Augusta paper, as given below. 



^^^B^h ^AaA^BHoimlhe "Chronicle and Sentinel,'' Augusta, Georgia ] 

* MOUNT VERNON. 



The following address to the "Southern Matron," from an 
accomplished lady of Philadelphia, would, methinks, waken into 
enthusiasm every woman whose patriotism or sensibilities were not 
entirely blunted. It needs no preface from us — it speaks for 
itself. 

Madam: In the "Evening Bulletin" (April 29), of this city, I 
noticed a plan projected by "A Southern Matron" for the purchase 
of Mount Vernon, that sacred spot, endeared to all true American 
hearts, by its hallowed associations with the Father of our glorious 
Republic. I am rejoiced that a way seems to be opened by my 
Southern sisters to avert the stigma which would assuredly attach 
itself to this nation, if Mount Ve^'non, with the sacred ashes of our 
Washington, were permitted to fall into the hands of speculators. 



My object in addressing you Is, to request that you will forward 
me subscription papers, with directions how to proceed in procur- 
ing aid for this most laudable object. I am confident that I can 
collect by individual subscription, a sum worthy of being trans- 
mitted to you. 

I hope that no "reasons of a political nature" may operate to 
exclude the ladies, north of A^irginia, from co-operating, by indi- 
vidual exertions, with those of the South in the purchase of a spot 
equally as dear to hearts nurtured in the cold rigid clime of the 
North, as to those matured by the genial influence of a Southern 
sun; and, though diflFerences of a sectional character too often, 
alas, disturb the affection which ought to exist between us, yet 
those differences are not so widely spread as our Southern brethren 
seem to imagine. The large majority are strongly opposed to 
anything which tends to mar the tranquillity of our common coun- 
try, and are devotedly patriotic, desiring only that the bond of 
brotherhood may be more firmly strengthened with increasing 
years. A few fanatics may rant and riot, but "higher law" men 
and principles have not yet triumphed, and I doubt if they ever 
will. Our fathers fought side by side, and this Union was ce- 
mented by their blood — why should tve strive to destroy this dear 
bought legacy! Let us, like that honored patriot,§iii t)jftii i iji ^ r \^jjK - fa ' i» ^ ^ 
"know no North, no South, no East, no West." ^^^^^^r •• ^i^ 

As I pen these lines, within sight of that glorious Hall from ¥ 
whose walls was proclaimed our Independence, my heart is stirred 
with a more ardent desire for the perpetuity of our happy Union ; 
and I never pass this hallowed spot, but I breathe a silent prayer 
for a continuance of the blessings bequeathed to us by our fore- 
fathers from the "Hall of Independence." God grant that the 
efforts of a "Southern Matron" may be one more link in the chain 
which shall forever bind us in a happy Union ! 

We believe that all will rejoice that this lady is an honorary 
member of the Georgia Central Committee, and will act in concert 
with them. 



[Extract from the "Evening Bulletin," April 29.] 

The "Southern ]\Iatron," we are very confident, -will gratefully 
receive any offerings from her Northern sisters. 

The South acts hy States, in order to secure certain regula- 
tions in the hoped-for purchase, bearing on the faithful execution 
of the "deeded trust" to Virginia, which renders this the only 
mode to obtain it. For reasons of a political nature, needless to 
detail here, this could not be extended beyond that region (Vir- 
ginia, we know, would not permit it); therefore, the aid of patri- 
otic ladies of the North must be either by individual voluntary 
offering, or else by "Associations." As the names, residence, and 
sums given by every subscriber are, however, to be published in 
a volume, to be deposited at Mount Vernon, arranged for the 
contributors of each State, as a record and lasting memorial of 
patriotism for their descendants ; this will place the names of 
Northern ladies side by side with those of their Southern sisters, 
to be handed down to admiring posterity together. 

We earnestly recommend this noble cause to all that is patrio- 
tic and generous in the ladies of Philadelphia ; patriotic, because 
it will be a beautiful tribute to the long-neglected memory of the 
Father of their country ; generous, because it will be, as it were, 
extending the olive-branch of sympathy and kind feeling toward 
those who, all must admit, have had too much reason to feel ag- 
grieved by the acts and speeches of many of our Northern repre- 
sentatives, and those of a large, reckless body of agitators who are 
widely spread over our land. VERITAS. 

The above explains with whom the project originated for the 
purchase of Mount Vernon, and embodies the mode of procedure 
and organization of committees, associations, ifec. Some modifica- 
tion of the original plan may possibly be adopted for these North- 
ern latitudes. The following is the original appeal from the high- 
souled lady who conceived the moral grandeur and beauty of 
hallowing Mount Vernon, in its purchase by womanly affection, 
devotion, and generosity, and that it was peculiarly woman s duty 
to secure it aji-ainst all unhallowed desecration. 



8 

Succeeding in the purchase, our intention is to leave the man- 
sion as it now is, only keeping it in necessary repair; to beautify 
and improve the grounds, and to erect, in time, a mausoleum, of 
some appropriate design, over the long-neglected tomb of him who 
was, and ought to be, "first in the hearts of his countrymen I" 
We also propose that, whenever monuments are to be erected to 
the memory of distinguished Americans, Mount Vernon should be 
selected as the most, and onli/ appropriate spot in the Union, for 
honoring the noble dead ! We make the suggestion, and accord 
the privilege. 



TO THE LADIES OF THE SOUTH. 

A descendant of Virginia, and now a daughter of Carolina, 
moved by feelings of reverence for departed greatness and good- 
ness, by patriotism and a sense of national and, above all, of 
Southern honor, ventures to appeal to t/ou in behalf of the "Home 
and Grave" of Washington. 

Ladies of the South, of a region of warm, generous, enthusiastic 
hearts, where still lingers some unselfish love of country and coun- 
try's honor, some chivalric feelings yet untouched by that ^^ mate- 
rial spirit'' so rapidly overshadowing the morals of our beloved 
land — a moral blight, fatal to man's noblest attributes, and which 
love of money and speculations alone seems to survive — to you we 
turn, you, Avho retain some reverence for the noble dead, some 
admiration and remembrance of exalted worth and service, even 
when they are no more! Of you we ask: Will you, can you, 
look on passively, and behold the home and grave of the matchless 
patriot, who is so completely identified ivith your land, sold as a 
possession to speculators without such a feeling of indignation 
firing your souls, as shall cause you to rush with one heart and 
spirit to the rescue? 

Ladies of the South, can you still, with closed souls and purses, 
while the world cries "Shame upon America," suffer Mount Ver- 
non, with all its sacred associations, to become, as is spoken of 
and probable, the seat of manufacturers and manufactories, noise 



9 

and smoke, and the "busy hum of men^'" destroying all sanctity 
and repose around the tomb of your own world's wonder? Oh, 
it cannot be possible! 

What ! such sacrilege, such desecration, while you have the 
hearts to feel the shame, and the power to prevent it! Never! 
Forbid it, shades of the dead, that the pilgrims to the shrine of 
true patriotism should find thee forgotten and surrounded by black- 
ening smoke and deafening machinery, where money, money, only 
money, ever enters the thought, and gold, only gold, moves the 
heart or nerves the arm. 

Once, our Congressional Halls were the resort of wisdom, in- 
tegrity, and patriotism ; where enlightened heads and upright 
hearts, sought to fulfil their ofiicial obligations by comprehending 
and faithfully executing the "glorious code of laws," which bound 
us into one common country; also by vying with each other who 
should add most to that country's weal at home and glory abroad. 
Washington, and his principles, and his spirit, appear no longer to 
influence the city which bears his name. Oh, who that have a 
spark of patriotism, but must mourn such eiir\y degeneracy, when 
they see who fill our legislative halls, and crowd our Metropolis! 
Who can restrain a pang of shame, when they behold the annual 
rush thither of jobbers and bounty seekers, of ofl^ce aspirants and 
trucklers, of party corrupters and corrupted, all collecting like a 
flock of vultures to their prey — prowling amidst and polluting the 
grave high purposes of legislation. 

Ladies of the South ! should we appeal to such as these to pro- 
tect the grave of Washington from the grasp of the speculator and 
the worldling ! And should we appeal either to, or through your 
senators and representatives ? What have they done, or would or 
could do, in that mephitic air? 

No, it is to you, mothers and daughters of the South, that the 
appeal can be made with a hopeful confidence. It is woman's 
office to be a vestal, and even tlie "fire of liberty" may need the 
care of her devotion and the purity of her guardianship. Your 
hearts are fresh, reverential, and animated by lively sensibilities 
and elevating purposes. With you, therefore, patriotism has not 
yet become a name. And shouhl there ever be again " times to 
try men's souls," there will be found among and of you, as of old, 
heroines, superior to fear and selfish consideration, acting for 



10 

country and its honor. Believing this, one of your countrywomen 
feels emboldened to appeal, in the name of the mother of Washing- 
ton, and of Southern feeling and honor, to all that is sympathetic 
and generous in your nature; to exert itself, and by your com- 
bined effort noiv, in village and country, town and city, the means 
may be raised from the mites of thousands of gentle hearts, upon 
whom his nnme has yet a magic spell, which will suffice to secure 
and retain his home and grave as a sacred spot for all coming 
time. 

A spontaneous work like this would be such a monument o^ \oyq 
and gratitude as has never yet been reared to patriot or mortal 
man, and while it would save American honor from a blot in the 
eyes of a gazing world, it would furnish a shrine where at least 
the mothers of the land and their indignant children, might make 
their offerings in the cause of the greatness, goodness, and pros- 
perity of their country. 

It is known to you that Congress has virtually declined to pur- 
chase and preserve Mount Vernon in behalf of the nation. Yet 
there is now a necessity for immediate action, as schemes are on 
foot for its purchase, and its devotion to money-making purposes. 
It is therefore respectfully and earnestly suggested to you, and 
by one who, in her descent, inherited the sympathies and reve- 
rence of those "who were once in the social relations of life with 
the "Father of his country," thnt the ladies by general contribu- 
tion, each a mite, furnish the amount sufficient for the purchase of 
Mount Vernon : that the property be conveyed in trust to the 
President of the United States and the Governor of Virginia, to 
be preserved and improved in your name as a hallowed resort for 
all people; that, for its continued preservation and improvementj 
a trifle be charged each visitor ; and that your contributions to 
effect these noble ends may be gathered in to the Governors of your 
States respectively, to be remitted to the Governor of Virginia, 
"with authority and direction to make the purchase. 

A SOUTHERN MATROX. 



11 



[From the "Washington Union," April 27.] 

TO THE LADIES OF THE SOUTH. 

We are gratified to have it in our power to announce to jou 
that the "cause" we had the honor to present in December last 
for your patriotic support, after a sleep so death-like, that it re- 
quired all our moral courage and Southern pride to sustain un- 
ceasing exertions for it, is now exhibiting a life and vitality which 
bid us hope it will have the power at last to reach Mount Vernon. 
Three States are interested, and proportionately active. Some of 
the first minds and hearts of both sexes, alive to the moral beauty 
and grandeur of that which has no counterpart in the past or pre- 
sent of other countries, arc devoting time, talent, and means to 
carry it in triumph to its great end. We hear of increasing in- 
terest, which promises needed extension; but, whether from par- 
tial publications or inattention, there seem to exist many misap- 
prehensions about its object, state of progress, nature of the 
present organization (the first having been superseded), where and 
to whom to apply for information, and what to do when sufficiently 
interested to desire to labor with us. 

We are aware that this is partly our fault. Being desirous of 
avoiding an unnecessary publicity, and expecting even ere this to 
have formed an "associated body," with wbich to share or resign 
our position and labors, we considered the fact of being " sole di- 
rector" of the enterprise we started by our exertions, need not be 
known beyond those officially concerned. This has bewildered 
those unfamiliar with the movement, and even weakened the effi- 
ciency of the new organization, which went into operation on the 
10th of March. For the benefit, therefore, of those not sufficiently 
informed ; to procure that discipline as necessary to success as gene- 
rosity itself; to point out to our sisters of other States who are, or 
may be hereafter, desirous of becoming associated with us, not 
only how to act and organize, where and to whom to apply for 
requisite information and papers, but, in short, to show the rela- 
tive powers and duties within our organization, and how enlarged 
souls, whose enthusiasm may induce them to put forth any amount 



12 

of exertion, can do so within proper limits, we have felt it an im- 
perative duty to publish an embodiment of the present plan. 

The mode of action proposed bj our "Appeal" of December we 
found impracticable. We have adopted the one now in use from 
some suggestion of the gallant editor of the "Mobile Herald and 
Tribune" — one of the first to speak for the cause, and whose elo- 
quent pen has again and again been exerted to awaken dormant 
patriotism. Apart from its superior discipline and efficiency, it 
gives all duties to ladies, who, it is to be supposed, will bestow 
more time and labor upon their own undertaking than could be 
expected from others. 

The organization comprises three (3) departments: A "central 
head;" a "central head" for each State; and ''Associations." 

In the central head of this undertaking (as in all others of the 
kind) must be concentrated the powers necessary for its entire 
direction during its progress, and the execution of all its final 
duties within Avoman's sphere. To it will be communicated, 
through the "central heads" of the several States, all information 
of the progress and action of States. Having but specified objects 
in view, those who unite with us are considered, by so doing, to 
have given their adhesion to them ; therefore, no collateral sub- 
jects will be suffered to enter and distract our conceyitrated ener- 
gies and purposes. Whatever consultations may arise in the ful- 
filment of the obvious duty undertaken are to be held with the 
"Ruling Committee" of the States — the'usual rules governing in 
such cases. We hope soon to establish a " Southern Central Com- 
mittee" (associated with ourself, more or less, as the good of the 
cause demands), to occupy the position we have held and will hold 
until this can be accomplished. The organization is (?o?7<^^e^e with- 
out it; but, as it would he more active and effective, it is very de- 
sirable, especially as it would be the principal source of issue and 
deposit for all needed publications. To it, therefore, must appli- 
cations be made by States arousing into action for information and 
publications for use. Its establishment will be publicly announced, 
so that all may know its location and perform the respective du- 
ties. In the interim, the present " director" can be communicated 
with through the "State Committees;" and from these, for the 
present, papers can be obtained. In the "State Committee" are 
concentrated all the powers necessary to be exercised for this en- 



13 

terprise in the State, tlie direction of the minor details arising from 
the duties attending individual or associated action, the authority 
to receive the "reports'' of associations and individuals taking sub- 
scriptions, and to it must be consigned the funds collected, and 
finally the names, residence, and sura of every subscriber. It is 
bound to issue all papers necessary for use, or to convey know- 
ledge, and excite interest and action in the State (although it can 
accept of assistance from generous associations). The "subscrip- 
tion papers" designed for the whole South having been published, 
it is expected hereafter that all will obtain and use them. It is to 
make "reports" (twice a month, if not oftener) to the "central 
head" of the state of aifairs — as to sums subscribed, &c. ; to keep 
names and funds, subject to the call of the "central power." To 
prevent any jealousy — (which, we trust, as this is xa. patriotic un- 
dertaking in honor of the illustrious dead, will for once keep its 
hideous presence from amongst us, though we are an association 
of those whose weakness and folly have made it considered one of 
our peculiar characteristics) — as to whom and ivhere this "central 
power" and honor should fall, we have incorporated an etiquette 
which, if strictly observed, Avill render such a feeling too unreason- 
able to be exhibited. Reflection will show that it would be impos- 
sible to decide it by moneyed action, for that would require a whole 
State to finish its donations, in order to ascertain what town, &c., 
bestowed the most, ere it could have its aifairs systematically ad- 
ministered! We conceived that the only just method was the sim- 
ple one we have adopted, viz: that to the place or persons first 
evincing decided action, or issuing "an address" as its avant 
courier, there the ruling potver belongs. Those who start the en- 
terprise for the State should have a claim to receive the direction 
of it ! Nevertheless, it is a very responsible position, requiring 
talents to write, method to manage, and absorbing devotion of 
time to fulfil its weigbty duties, as well as banking, printing, and 
postal privileges — absolutely necessary to its existence. We are 
assured that feelings of patriotism and State pride will forbid any 
one "body," not combining these essentials, to assume it when not 
capable of discharging its duties creditably to themselves or their 
State, but will induce them to transfer their right to those whom, 
upon due consideration, they find equal to the trust. As every- 
thing connected with this enterprise — names, residence, sum, ser- 



14 

vices of either sex — is to be registered and published, as a record 
for their descendants, such an act of patriotism would not be for- 
gotten. 

The "associations" which are necessary over a State, to pro- 
cure subscribers and receive their payments, have, of course, no 
jjowers but those which solely appertain to this object. They are 
usually formed by the election of several directi-esses, secretary, 
and treasurer (in a " State Committee" a president, with vice-presi- 
dents, are preferable). They are to be zealous in procuring sub- 
scribers, faithful in registering names and transmitting them, 
together with the funds collected, to their "State Committee" not 
less than twice a month, except in sparse settlements, where action 
and success are slow. In case any such are acting where there is 
not or may not be complete State organization, they can commu- 
nicate with the "central power," or the "Central Committee" of 
an adjoining State. 

Notwithstanding the limited powei's of " associations," if located 
in a town or city, if conducted with talent, energy, and generous 
enthusiasm, their influence can be vast — their assistance invalu- 
able ! To all such we say, in the present state of afl'airs, where 
interest in a patriotic work has to be aroused over such an extent 
of country, give us your talents and untiring zeal. If exerted in 
unison with ^our ^^ State Committee," without neglect of local du- 
ties, in the only way that they are needed, or can be rightly used, 
enlisting interest and action, not only in your own State, but any 
of those addressed, they cannot conflict with the power or action 
of either "State" or " Central Committee." Otherwise, we would 
not suggest what would be subversive of the established organiza- 
tion — perfect and prompt obedience being necessary to its efficiency. 
"VVe take this occasion to refer to one to whose generous zeal 
and indefatigable exertions this cause is much indebted — the 
Mount Vernon Association of Savannah, Georgia. They would 
have highly adorned a more extensive sphere had the "first action" 
secured the "State power" to their city instead of Augusta. 

To the timid we woiild remark, there is nothing to deter asso- 
ciated action with us. None can shrink more than ourself from 
individual notoriety or newspaper publicity of names, which we do 
not think absolutely necessary to the transaction of such business 
with your own sex. By arrangement with the postmaster, letters 



15 

can be safely received directed — President, Directress, or Secretary 
of Mount Vernon Association of . We confess our prefer- 
ence for this mode, as more in consonance with Southern feeling 
and manners ; and it has already been adopted by the " State 
Committee" of Georgia — that embodiment of talent and zealous 
patriotism! As yet there are but two "State committees" — one 
at Augusta, Georgia; the other at Montgomery, Alabama, All 
communications to them, directed as described, will be promptly 
attended to. South Carolina, although active, being divided be- 
tween two noble objects, has not yet formed hers. 

We cannot finish our exposition without reminding all who 
become members of "associations" or "central committees" that, 
in enrolling themselves for the accomplishment of this patriotic 
object, they virtually resign their individual freedom of action to 
obtain it, and accept, in its stead, the restraints, as well as the 
powers and duties of their official position, and the obligation to 
discharge these faithfully withifi their sj^here^ as well as not to in- 
terfere tvith any beyond it. 

Any "associated body," therefore, purporting to be one of us, 
which does not, after due time, conform to the necessary regula- 
tions laid down, report to ruling powers, &c., and still continues 
this action after their remonstrance, will force us to regard such 
"body" as in opposition, and not belonging to us; to publish 
accordingly, so that subscribers may not be in the delusion that 
they are bestowing their funds to aid us. The patriotism of our 
ladies is of too lofty an order for us really to anticipate what could 
not proceed from a patriotic motive. But we wish, in this publi- 
cation of the "Regulations of the Mount Vernon Southern Asso- 
ciation," to provide for all possible contingencies. 

Ladies of the South, we have high hopes for the results of this 
enterprise. It is the third started to honor Washington. The 
first, commenced with a flourish of trumpets, processions, orations, 
and ended with laying a corner-stone near the Hall from which 
issued the Declaration of Independence. The second is slowly 
progressing by means which, in the words of a patriotic writer, 
would disgrace a mendicant. The third is yours, and oh, how 
much more glorious, and heart-moving the purpose ! Will you 
fail, as the one, or allow want of generous action to disgrace your 
offering as the other? A thousand times, no! Pride for your 



16 

reputation as the embodiment of all that is tender, noble, and 
generous, must forbid it ! You have but to will it, for it to be car- 
ried in triumph to a great end ! Having now two objects in view, 
this is the more certain. Our first, is to secure and hallow the 
"home and grave'' of the immortal Father of our country "for 
all coming time." But should we fail from insufficiency of gene- 
rosity, time, or any unexpected obstacle or event, let us honor and 
protect his "sacred remains" by erecting a "mausoleum" over 
the sarcophagus which contains them — the gift of a noble Northern 
heart — worthy of us, and the shrine whose pilgrims will be from 
the ends of the earth. 

We cannot conclude without presenting to your consideration 
the glowing description of this " enterprise" by one of Alabama's 
most gifted sons. 

"The purchase of Mount Vernon by the women impresses us as 
a most admirable way to secure the property, and to set it solemnly 
apart to the guardianship of the hero's grave. The form of the 
tribute, hallowed by womanly affections and executed by womanly 
devotion, is the most befitting it can assume. There will be 
a soul in the thing that will be felt — a soul of life and love that 
will throb its own high thoughts into every pilgrim who wanders 
amid the shades of Mount Vernon." 

A SOUTHERN MATROK 



LADIES OF CAROLINA AND THE SOUTH. 

You have met at Charleston. At that great commercial empo- 
rium measures will be taken to secure the success of our mercantile 
world ; you will, with your husbands and your friends, rejoice over 
the prosperity of American commerce — the rewards of American 
industry — the glory of the American name. The banquet hall 
will be filled; its tables will groan under the weight of good cheer, 
the wine-cup will pass around, and wit, mirth, and festivity will 
triumph. In the midst of your gayety, when wit sparkles most 
brightly, when the silvery laugh rings most merrily, hark to the 
funeral tone of that distant bell! What does it proclaim? Wash- 



17 

ington is forgotten! In horror will you start from that monstrous 
charge. Washington, our Father, our Saviour— he who snatched 
us from galling dependency and gave us a home among nations- 
he forgotten? Never. 

Who dare accuse Southern men and women of that foul crime, 
that basest of crimes, ingratitude? 

Again, that toll! It soundeth solemn, yet distinct— Washington 
is forgotten ! 

Forgotten! Why his was the name our mothers taught us first 
to lisp, after that of our blessed Lord— our fathers, our venerated 
grandparents, who suffered for, and with this noble Washington. 

Many of us claim, with pride, descent from those who bore arms 
under him in our glorious Revolution ; it is our greatest boast ; 
this is America's patent nobility. How, then, can we forget? Yet 
still, with dark funereal knell, tolls forth again that solemn bell- 
Washington is forgotten! 

Shall we explain why, notwithstanding our indignant denial, 
the charge is still repeated! The home of Washington— his 
beloved Vernon, whose modest walls were reared for him— his 
resting-place, where, wearied with the toils of statesmanship, he 
sought repose— where his spirit held communion with its mighty 
fount, the All-wise; and where, when his earthly pilgrimage was 
ended, he resigned his soul to Him from whom it emanated ; his 
grave, the sacred tomb on which a nation's tears were shed, is 
about to be bargained for by a speculating company, while we 
stand idly by. 

That ancient hall! Shall it be converted into a card-room, 
or billiard saloon? The indignant voice of every true hearted 
American, answers, No ! And we would not that schools should 
be there erected— it is too sacred a spot; those hallowed shades 
should not resound with the merry laugh of the mischief-loving 
school-boy, nor yet should it be associated with the sufferings of a 
hospital. 

This is what we wish. 

To keep it in its sacredness and solemnity— to have the awed 
heart raised into reverence, while, with hushed footsteps and bowed 
head, they tread that sacred ground. We would that it should be 
a necropolis of the mighty dead. 

Kear there your monuments. Let it be the Westminster Abbey 



18 

of America, and let each State which can boast a son worthy to 
be enshrined in that temple, proudly raise the monumental marble 
there; and who more worthy than your own Calhoun ? 

Let a mausoleum be erected over the grave of Washington — 
each State of this wide spread Union sending a block of marble, 
each with its respective coat of arms sculptured upon it. 

Let Powers carve the hero as he looked in life, to be the presid- 
ing genius of the spot. 

• "Would not this be an enterprise worthy of our undertakings ? 
And this, ladies, is for us to do, not only by the sums which we 
ourselves can command, but by our influence on husband, father, 
son, brother, lover, or friend. 

We must exert our steadfast energy if we would hush the tolling 
that proclaims a nation's ingratitude ! 

This question, ladies of the South, has been before you now for 
three months, and how many of you have generously offered to 
aid in its accomplishment ; we say offered, for it is the duty of all 
who wish to give, to come forward and not wait to be sought. 

When you look down upon your gorgeous silks and your glitter- 
ing jewelry, do you remember that a tithe of that expenditure from 
each of you, would give us the glorious privilege of converting 
Mount Vernon into the Mecca of America, of making it ours, and 
forming it into a place that we could proudly ask the world to gaze 
at and see how we loved him — the shrine of liberty — the altar 
where a nation should send forth its ever-sounding hymn of praise? 

Will Carolina say: "We have our own Calhoun to honor?" 

Is Carolina so poor ? Has her large heart become so cramped 
that she can do honor but to one? Would that Calhoun with his 
trumpet tone could touch your heart from that now silent grave — 
but no, not silent; the dust that covers Calhoun speaks eloquently 
to every Southern heart, irresistibly to every true-born Caroli- 
nian — and most impressively would he bid you " rescue the home 
and grave of Washington from insult and desecration, and then 
give me the honors that will comfort your hearts ; I need nothing 
in Carolina; / live in the hearts of her children, and well can wait 
while this most pressing necessity is attended to." 

Ours is indeed a pressing necessity ; the hand of the spoiler is 
stretched forth to seize upon our sacred things. If we interfere 



19 

not, like the ancient Jews, we will have to "hang our harp upon 
the willows," and mourn over departed greatness. 

America will be a by-word and a proverb, a hissing and a re- 
proach. We spent thousands to welcome Lafayette, the gallant 
stranger who came to aid us in our struggle for liberty — shall we 
do less for Washington, for him who labored all his life for us? 

We hear of no adventurer, who has been imprisoned for opinion's 
sake in the monarchical world of Europe, but, when he comes over, 
thousands are expended in the feasting which welcomes him to our 
land of freedom. 

Will we grudge to Washington his share of that so freely given 
to every foreigner of note ? He who braved for us the scaffold — 
who won for us our present inheritance? Every singer who comes 
to our shores from the Old World, gathers a harvest of o-old. 

Will we refuse it to redeem the spot where Washington sent 
forth his psalms of thanksgiving for a nation born ? Come up to 
our aid, then, every true-hearted woman of the South. 

Send in your contributions, every gentleman who has the no- 
bility of soul to feel with us. 

Let each one subscribe what he can ; the one dollar subscrip- 
tions were intended for the poor, those who could afford to give no 
more. 

Let the papers proclaim to the world how generously and eagerly 
all united in raising the sum necessary to the holy cause of re- 
deeming Mount Vernon, and making it a monument of the grati- 
tude of the ladies, to him who was "first in war, first in peace, 
and first in the hearts of his countrymen." 

AUGUSTA. 



20 



[From the "Mobile Tribune," March 8.] 

MOUNT VERNON— TO THE RESCUE! 

Our readers will be interested in the address to the ladies which 
we publish this morning. It is from the pen of one who, by her 
sex, has a right to the attention of those to whom it is addressed. 
It is also very cleverly written, with a little touch of irony that 
adds to its piquancy. 

We can hardly suppose that the ladies stand aloof from this 
"womanly enterprise" because of a belief in its impropriety. If 
a woman have no interests beyond the little circle which surrounds 
her family duties; if to peep thence into the wholesome air which 
may be found without the narrow round of cares, be not within her 
office, then we shall be obliged to disown the merits of nearly half 
the virtuous and generous deeds of the past — half its genius. 

But a woman is as much a part of the acting, breathing world as 
a man; and, although her sphere may be different, it is a differ- 
ence only of kind, not responsibility. We have a total aversion to 
a woman who endues herself with the unmentionables, and simply 
because if she do well what it is universally admitted she has a 
rin-ht to do, she will have before her as much of noble work as she 
can accomplish. 

A woman may not with propriety gird on a sword and lead in 
armies; she may not command a ship; she may not mingle in 
legislative debate ; she may not throw herself into the rude en- 
counters of the political arena — but because she may not do these 
and similar things, which are apparently so antagonistic to those 
traits of her nature which make her lovable and potent, it does not 
follow that she is fit for nothing but a drudge or a trifler — her 
destiny oscillating between that of a slave and the insipid elegan- 
cies of a seraglio. 

Wherever there is a pure sentiment, there is a woman's sphere; 
wherever good mny be done — wherever noble and virtuous thoughts 
may be inspired — there lies a duty for a woman to perform, 
whether it lead beyond her household or not; and this duty is so 
imperative, that it cannot be shunned without prejudice to her 
dignity and influence. 



21 

What a shocking notion is this that a woman cannot cease to be 
a drudge for the purpose of lifting herself up to the level of a 
heroic thought, or inspire, bj ceasing to be a slave, something 
more respectable than the right mode of measuring out the ingre- 
dients of a pudding ! Heaven help us, if this sort of idea get into 
the heads of the sex ! 

To rescue the home of Washington from spoliation is the pecu- 
liar business of a woman. At the sick bed, at the grave, she has 
power; here is the grave of one to whom she, equally with the 
other sex, owes a debt of eternal gratitude. To save it from 
harm, is her duty particularly; and any man who should condemn 
her for the act deserves to die where there is no gentle voice to 
soothe his passing moments. 

But the excuse is ridiculous. It is made from idleness or in- 
sanity, and deserves no respect. 

We trust, then, that the appeals we have already published, and 
that within our columns to-day will provoke some immediate action. 
If it be general, the form is not essential. It is only necessary 
that measures be taken to carry the object to every part of the 
State. If here in Mobile a judicious circular were printed and 
sent to all quarters, and placed in each locality within the hands 
of one lady who would take an interest in it, the end would be 
accomplished at once. Only the most trifling expense is neces- 
sary ; and within three months after a simultaneous movement of 
this sort were made, the home of Washington would be forever 
saved from desecration; and forever hereafter, too, the deed 
would be appealed to as an evidence that the women of this age 
are not unworthy of the greatness which its men will impress upon 
the pages of history. 



LADIES OF MOBILE. 

We take it for granted that you have all heard of a great scheme 
which has been suggested to you by one of your own sex, for the 
purchase of Mount Vernon. To secure this treasure and this tri- 
umph, you must be willing to give, not only money, but time, 
interest, and zeal to an undertaking which, grand, noble, and 



22 

national, comes yet within the legitimate sphere of womanly en- 
terprise. 

Read, then, the second appeal of this "Southern Matron," whose 
patriotism we commend to your imitation. Mothers, wives, daugh- 
ters of Alabama, listen to her touching voice ; to you its plead- 
ings are especially addressed. 

You have time, talents, and patriotism enough among you, if 
you would only give them to this noble cause. But some of you 
are profoundly engaged in the superintendence of flounces — some 
are wasting your enthusiasm over novels — some are wearing out 
your knees before the shrines of your household gods — some of you 
are so eager to be thought helpless and feminine (by the sex that 
likes to protect), that you would faint at the idea of doing any- 
thing spirited — and some of you are so modest that we never hear 
you lisp out your "aversions to being conspicuous," without think- 
ing of the young lady who vowed "she never would get married — 
no, never ! It would shock her to see her name in the news- 
papers! !" 

Ladies, permit us to address a word to each one of you. 

Some evenings since, we attended the theatre, where, like the 
'■^Diahle Boiteux,'" unseen, we saw everybody. What a parterre 
of living flowers lay beneath us! 

Side by side were flashing jewels and vapory muslins ; starry 
eyes and snowy necks. Certainly you were a pretty sight, ladies : 
and with your diamonds, your wreaths, and your laces, you linger 
in our memory one such perfect whole of loveliness, that Fancy, 
in the fulness of her satisfaction, refuses to dismember or individu- 
alize you. We could not help wondering occasionally how much 
soul there was in that beautiful body. We followed you in spirit 
to your elegant homes, where you lounge upon sofas of satin, or 
bend your graceful heads over gossamer needlework or absorbing 
novel. Still beautiful — still seductive ! But come forth, pretty 
Sybarites, and let us see whether any hearts are beating under all 
this mass of millinery and upholstery. Come forth with your in- 
fluence to help this scheme of earnest minds. Add to your fila- 
gree graces the sterling virtue of high purpose, and link your 
names with that of this "Southern Matron," whom your sons, in 
future manhood, will rise up and call blessed. 

And you — women of such timorous nature that, like little mice. 



you peep in and out of the world of action without ever venturing 
from your homes — learn (and be not frightened at the disclosure), 
that in this great world, you have your social duties, as imperative 
to your country as the political battles of your husbands and your 
brothers. Apart they be from one another, but both are obliga- 
tory — and if you wish worthily to fill up the entire spheVe of your 
womanly duty, you must not shrink from them. Are you afraid of 
the notoriety so dreadful to the young lady, whom we had the 
honor of introducing to your notice just now? Afraid of« seeing 
your name in a newspaper as the member of an honorable associa- 
tion, from the fear of signing it over to the printer's devil? Away 
with such puerility! 

We are persuaded that it is in the power of woman to be all 
that it is required of her to be, either by society or by home. To 
few belong the privilege of intellect, accomplishments, fascination, 
and domestic virtues. But I have known the same woman to write 
a musical criticism who, on the same day, had made a plum pud- 
ding — and I have also seen a woman deeply interested in an expe- 
dition to the Poles, who took excellent care of her family. So 
that, without ceasing to be useful at home, ladies, you may be 
useful abroad, and ornamental too. Once more, then, we implore 
of you not to shut yourselves up in the mere discharge of your 
home duties, looking out upon the world beyond you as a terra in- 
cognita, which it is no business of yours to explore. We hope to 
greet you as industrious and efficient members of the " Mount 
Vernon Association." 

To you, Women of Mobile, whose intellect is unquestionable — 
to you whom God has gifted with knowledge of your high voca- 
tion as wives, friends, and mothers of those who fight " The Bat- 
tle of Life," we need not point out your responsibilities in this 
matter. To your patriotism we leave this cause and its merits. 
You are in no danger of confounding the pleadings of a patriotic 
woman with the clamors of a strapping virago. Your husbands 
and brothers will point with pride to you as representatives of true 
women. 

And now, one word to you all. I maintain that in your sex, as 
well as in men, there is that instinctive love of country which is 
common to Esquimaux or Ethiop, Moslem or Christian. And in 
proof of what I say, I ask you all — whether smothered with roses 



24 

in the parlor, or rosy kisses in the nursery — -whether you study 
" Soyer" or "Shakspeare" — whether you dance the polka or 
scour the pantry — I ask you, one and all, if, at the theatre, you 
did not feel some love of country ^veiling up from your hearts, as 
a Woman on the stage grasped her country's flag and pealed forth 
" Salut a la France!" Not one of you so dead that her eye did 
not glisten with sympathetic patriotism. Nay — it is no use for 
me to plead again. Your hearts are enlisted in Washington's 
behalf.. " 

We hear that already a whispering has taken place among you 
on this subject. Raise your voices, ladies, and fear not. Call a 
meeting; elect a President, Treasurer, and other necessary offi- 
cers. Issue circulars; open subscription lists — and the scheme is 
under way. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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